Which Reloading Manual?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Harriw

Harriw

Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Messages
282
Hi folks,

I began reloading shot shells a few years back when I was heavily into skeet, but recently decided it's time I started reloading brass as well. After endless hours reading forum posts, watching youtube videos, etc. to get the general idea, I picked up the Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual to go through (for "proper" instruction) before I get started.

I'm glad I got it, and am pleased with the beginning chapters that go through the process in detail (which after all was my main reason for buying it). But I'm a bit bummed at how little loading data there is here for 9mm (which is what I'm going to be reloading initially). I obviously have access to loading data from the various powder companies as well, but I'd like to pick up another book or two to have access to a wider selection of recipes. Are there any in particular that I should be taking a hard look at for 9mm (or handgun in general) loading data? I'm wondering if the Hornady or Speer books might have more recipes, just to cover all their bullet offerings? For what it's worth, I plan to eventually be using a lot of RMR bullets. I know I won't find any load data specifically for those bullets, but want to have access to a decent collection of recipes so that I have a good chance of finding something close to use as a starting point.

Thanks!
 
I started with a 43rd Lyman manual way back in the early '80s and I really like the way they are presented. I have a copy of the 50th that I use alongside a Hornady 10th.

I've noticed that they Lyman has fewer overall bullet types than the Hornady but more bullet manufacturers. It also seems a tad on the conservative side.

The Hornady manual has lots of bullet types but they are not surprisingly mostly Hornady brand bullets. One thing I really like about this manual is there is always one line of a given bullet's recipe that is printed in bold suggesting the most accurate load in their testing with a specific powder.

.40
 
Hodgdons has a good online manual which I check often. Alliant also has one online which you can download or they will send you a copy if you like. Western also has one you can download. They are limited but useful at times.

Hodgdons is nice in that I can check it while standing at a show looking at a bullet I haven't loaded before to see if there is reloading data readily available for said bullet.

As for the std hardbound manuals it is personal preference. I think I have some from all the major makers and am happy with them each in their own way. Older ones seem to have hotter loads in them and of course loads for things which have fallen out of current favor.
 
I like the Lee manual.

Another option is the compiled caliber specific books, I have bought some through Midway, they compile lots of data from many sources for a specific round.
 
You have a good baseline.
I have a Hornady, Lee, and Lyman.
I like the Lee introduction the best, I like the Lyman data because it has pressures listed. This helps with picking what powders to test.
My other resources are Nosler and Hogdon online data.
If you only load a couple cartridges, the on cartridge guide is for you.
 
I prefer the powder maker websites for the latest., most up-to-date recipes. The manuals have other added benefits as you saw with Lyman's
 
Lee, Lyman and Speer sit on my shelf. Occasionally will look at a powder manufacturers/distributors/re-seller website too.

Don't rely on just one source though. Plenty of data to cross-reference with. If something doesn't match up, it is interesting (to me anyways) to try and discover why the differences exist.
 
Western Powder book has a lot of 9mm data and it's the most recently published book, Lee 2nd edition is the best second choice. I have Lyman 50, Hornady 10, Hodgdon 2018 in addition.
 
Harriw said:
After endless hours reading forum posts, watching youtube videos, etc. to get the general idea, I picked up the Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual to go through (for "proper" instruction) before I get started.

I'm glad I got it, and am pleased with the beginning chapters that go through the process in detail (which after all was my main reason for buying it). But I'm a bit bummed at how little loading data there is here for 9mm (which is what I'm going to be reloading initially). I obviously have access to loading data from the various powder companies as well, but I'd like to pick up another book or two to have access to a wider selection of recipes.
Click to expand...
I'm a little confused. Lyman 50 has plenty of 9mm data IMO. They list bullet weights from 90gr up to 147gr including 4 Cast bullets.

The data for 115gr bullets list 14 different powders, 124/125 be bullets also list 14 powders and 13 powders with 147gr bullets. I don't think you will find more in other manuals but I didn't go down in my basement to check.

I think you made a good choice with the Lyman manual and if you want more buy the manual from the bullet company who's bullets you will use most. Personally I have so many manuals I lost count but I can't help myself lol.

Good luck finding what you are looking for.
 
I start with Lee and then compare data from Lyman, Speer, powder manufacturer online, and Mr. Smith's Reloading Pages for the oddball cartridges like .32 Long and .38 S&W. Sometimes I still don't find the exact bullet and powder combo I'm after, but I can at least make a pretty good guess.
 
Lyman's is about the best in versatility. Good reloading basics, good variety of load to bullet data (cast bullets/jacketed) and pressures. If you have access to Western Powders, Accurate and Ramshot, a good variety of data there for lead/plated/jacketed bullets. Lee's is good for learning basics and reference, but their data is cut & paste from powder/bullet makers.

http://www.loadbooks.com/Store.html

Not the most up to date, but a good condense reference of data.
 
I like the Lyman because it is just flat out easier to read. I also have Hornady, Speer and Nossler. I started with Speer close to 40 years ago and use the current version as my basis. They each have their strengths. I rarely find any consistent load between the four and even less so when you factor in any on-line data. I typically take out the old scratch pad and write down the relevant data from each source and then try to decide which way I want to go. To me that is part of the fun of reloading.
 
With the total amount of time and money people spend on reloading, I find it amazing that so many think it is a big expense to spend $30 on a manual.
Every manual has information that is important to know. The manuals are much more than just "cookbook recipes" of load data.

The first chapters are what is important to read and understand. Load data can be found all over the place.
Many new reloaders feel there is no need to get a manual, they can look up data online.

Buy several manuals it is money well spent.
Hornady
Speer
Lyman, if you shoot lead then get the Lyman Cast manual as well.
 
I guess these days, most of the major powder manufacturers have on line loading data. Most of the major bullet manufacturers have printed manuals. There are some exceptions.

I like to have the manuals for the bullet manufacturers that I use plus the Lyman regular and cast bullet manuals. I buy them as they are updated and keep the old. I like to go back and see the "old" data. A change in the data can hint that the data had been re-tested.

Also, I like print manuals. I find it easier to spread several books out on my bench open to the desired pages and compare information. I do consult on line data as well for comparison.

Also, I enjoy the general info provided on each cartridge in many of the printed books.

I have equipment to reload north of thirty different cartridges so lots of information is very useful to me. For folks that only reload a few, it can get expensive if you are not interested in the extra information.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: PWC
When I'm talking to a new/newer reloader I usually suggest The ABCs of Reloading. The most popular "beginner's text" today. My reloading manual suggestion is the current Lyman, which is now the 50th (I have 48,49, and 50). If I'm using jacketed bullets I get a manual from the bullet manufacturer (I started using Speer bullets, so I got a Speer manual in '86, then Hornady and Nosler). I got a Lee manual, and it is an entertaining read, but the load data is lacking and it's the last place I look for data. For me, even after over 30 years of reloading, manuals have way more than just data ("recipes") so I don't use/recommend the "One Cartridge" pamphlets (which like the Lee manual, are just a compilation of other's published data, and how old is it?). I get 98% of my data from published manuals and some from powder manufacturer's sites and never have I run out of info...

I post this often; my Rule #1 is I get my data from published manuals and powder manufacturer's sited and pay no attention to any data I see/hear elsewhere. Basically if it ain't in a manual, I don't use it, nuttin' from any forum, gun counter clerk, pet loads website, good intended friend, range rat, or gun shop guru...
 
Last edited:
Harriw said:
Hi folks,

I began reloading shot shells a few years back when I was heavily into skeet, but recently decided it's time I started reloading brass as well. After endless hours reading forum posts, watching youtube videos, etc. to get the general idea, I picked up the Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual to go through (for "proper" instruction) before I get started.

I'm glad I got it, and am pleased with the beginning chapters that go through the process in detail (which after all was my main reason for buying it). But I'm a bit bummed at how little loading data there is here for 9mm (which is what I'm going to be reloading initially). I obviously have access to loading data from the various powder companies as well, but I'd like to pick up another book or two to have access to a wider selection of recipes. Are there any in particular that I should be taking a hard look at for 9mm (or handgun in general) loading data? I'm wondering if the Hornady or Speer books might have more recipes, just to cover all their bullet offerings? For what it's worth, I plan to eventually be using a lot of RMR bullets. I know I won't find any load data specifically for those bullets, but want to have access to a decent collection of recipes so that I have a good chance of finding something close to use as a starting point.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Which reloading manual? For $35 you can have just about ALL of them- Loaddata.com There's an almost incomprehensible amount of data there, metallic and shotshell.

35W
 
It ain't so much 'which' manual, but 'how many' manuals. The Lyman 49 is still a good one.
Really, the powder manufacturers all have data online, mostly free. Some bullet makers sell their data. The Lee manual has a lot of good data compiled from multiple sources, and a little basic googling will get you some older data from many publishers.
Get 'em all! Study your starting and max values and you should see a sweet spot among them all.
 
Whoever's components I'm using I try to use their load data(manual) But I always cross reference what I'm doing with as many sources as I can. I have many manuals and am not afraid to use powder & bullet manufacture's online data. You can get a lot of printed load data for free from a lot of the manufacture's. Just have to ask.
 
mdi said:
I post this often; my Rule #1 is I get my data from published manuals and powder manufacturer's sited and pay no attention to any data I see/hear elsewhere. Basically if it ain't in a manual, I don't use it, nuttin' from any forum, gun counter clerk, pet loads website, good intended friend, range rat, or gun shop guru...
Click to expand...

Truth here. If it isn't written, it isn't so on my bench. If you follow this rule, you will live to be an old reloader with all of your fingers.

Listen to the little voice in your head that says be careful because you are using gunpowder and explosives.

.40
 
  • Like
Reactions: mdi
For a good quick reference, the Lee manual is good. Just keep in mind that Lee does not develop ANY of those loads, all of the load information comes directly from the powder manufacturer's websites. The websites will include more information that is left out of the Lee manual, like the specific bullet used, instead of just a generic description like "jacketed hollow point" or "FMJ". Not all bullets of a generic type have the same profile, so OAL information for one brand of bullet may not work for another bullet, or for your given gun.


I like the Speer manual, especially if I am using plated bullets, as I have found that the data for "TMJ" bullets comes close to the results that I see with Xtreme or RMR plated bullets. But Speer now has all of their load data online, so it is not entirely necessary to buy the book.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/359861/speer-reloading-manual-15-blemished
https://www.speer-ammo.com/

Since I use various Hornady bullets, I bought the Hornady manual. I also bought the ebook version so I can reference the data on my iPhone.
https://www.hornady.com/reloading/handbook

I like the Hodgdon annual reloading manual. Under $10. Good bench reference.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/675830/hodgdon-2019-annual-reloading-manual

Bottom line, if the manufacturer of the bullet you are using has data, get that. Then go to the powder manufacturer's website. Those are usually the first two places I go.
 
I have Speer, Lyman, Hornady, and Berger.
I use them all for different loads, but, the Berger is my go to "reference" because of the pure, very specific precision, loading information it has.
 
Clear as mud now, right? I have a Hornady, Sierra, Speer, and Hodgdon manuals. I also have several of those " One Cartridge" (or whatever) manuals. Powder manufacturers post loads on the interwebs. I check that out a lot as well. I don't consider any one better than another. Look at primers used, bullet profile, what firearm was used to test the load. I went from centerfire cartridges to shotshells. You're looking at a lot more flexibility than shotshells here. It's good to have options.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Olon
  • Locked
Which Manual?
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
AJC1
AJC1
S
  • Locked
Hornady Reloading Manual
Replies
2
Views
447
beatledog7
B
G
  • Locked
Anyone Have A Hornady Reloading Manual?
Replies
6
Views
690
Nortonics
N
Zendude
  • Locked
Bullet length data
Replies
11
Views
6K
Duvel
D
Waterboy3313
  • Locked
Lyman 50th reloading manual.
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
kcofohio
kcofohio
Back
Top